Judge tosses campaign finance case against Tom Horne

PHOENIX — An administrative law judge has thrown out a civil complaint
accusing Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne of illegally coordinating his 2010
election campaign with a separate group supposedly operating independently.

Tuesday’s ruling by Judge Tammy L. Eigenheer said the Arizona Secretary of
State’s office made a mistake when it referred the case to the Maricopa County
Attorney’s Office. The case by law should instead have been sent to Horne’s
office first, since he’s the state’s chief legal officer.

The ruling also dismissed civil cases against Horne confidant Kathleen Winn and
the group she led. Winn attorney Timothy La Sota could not be reached after
hours Tuesday.

Horne’s spokeswoman said he was pleased and was reviewing the ruling.

A spokesman for county attorney Bill Montgomery says he plans an appeal.